Starmer and Trump's special relationship' could unravel over these divisive issues

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging."

"As Donald Trump bid farewell to King Charles on Thursday morning after what the US president clearly considered to be a successful state trip, all eyes turned to the political arena where the UK-US special relationship will truly be put to the test. For Keir Starmer, his mini summit with President Trump at Chequers carries enormous significance not just for his foreign policy but also his own standing at home, given that Labour MPs are openly questioning whether he should continue as PM."

"But the prime minister knows that, as well as being a potential boost for him domestically, the two face clashing over difficult issues, which could really test Trump's description of the relationship. Among these are steel, tariffs, Ukraine and even the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which put paid to Peter Mandelson and threatens to drag in the US president. But, most pressing, is Gaza, a subject on which Starmer and Trump are in no way aligned."

The Independent seeks donations to fund on-the-ground journalism while keeping reporting free and accessible without paywalls. The outlet reports on topics from reproductive rights and climate change to Big Tech and investigative financial work tied to political PACs. Donald Trump's state visit and farewell to King Charles shifted focus to the UK-US political relationship, centering on a Chequers meeting with Keir Starmer. The summit could influence Starmer's foreign policy profile and domestic standing amid Labour doubts. Key potential clashes include steel, tariffs, Ukraine, the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and a stark disagreement over Gaza.

Read at www.independent.co.uk